Defense Steps Up In Hocking College's Spring Football Scrimmage

The defense stole the show at the 4th Annual Blue vs. Gold spring football scrimmage, defeating the offense, 15-12, on Saturday, April 27 at Nelsonville’s Polley Field.

The first-half was played in two, 12-play drives. The offense scored a point for every first down and the defense scored a point for every three plays they held the offense to fewer than 10 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Tony White led the offense to two first downs – one on a leaping catch by freshman receiver Trenton Bridenthal to give the offense a 2-0 lead, but the defense finished the half with three straight stops to take a 3-2 lead into halftime.

The second-half was played in two, 10-minute running quarters. The offense could score two points for a first down, three for a field goal, and six for a touchdown. The defense could score three points for a three-and-out (no first down), four points for a 4th-down stop, and six points for a turnover (interception or recovered fumble).

The offense rolled up five first downs (10 points) in the second-half on a nice combination of running plays and pass plays. However, the defense came up with two defensive stops (three points each) and a big interception by freshman free safety Aaron Turner on a deep sideline pass from White. That interception (six points) was the difference in the scrimmage as the defense prevailed.